Soof Embroidery

Literally translating to ‘neat and clean’, this style of embroidery is characterized by geometric patterns. Its v-shaped designs called ‘leher’ or wave and triangle patterns are highly stylised. But the designs on the fabric cannot be pre drawn. The detailed geometrical patterns are left to the discretion of the craftswomen who have a talent for working out geometrical shapes as they weave. They mentally picture the motifs and then work the embroidery from the reverse of the fabric. The embroidery is often mistaken for machine work because it is so neat and perfectly arranged. These patterns are in high demand on saris, bedsheets, linen and tableware.